So the infamous “Black Friday” week is here once again. Crazy sales happening around and a big chunk of the audio stuff we all love will be offered at a discounted price (and in some cases, even completely FREE! Hint: read till the end).
In times like these it’s even easier to get fooled, because hey, you can’t miss that awesome deal, right?
And we find ourselves buying something we don’t really need, ending up with nothing but a lighter wallet. So how to make sure you’re spending your cash on something that is really worth them? Sales aside, maybe these advices might help you.
These things may sound kind of obvious, but most of us completely skip them…
Assess Your Studio Needs
Cool yourself down, forget about all the hype around and focus on what YOU really need in YOUR studio for YOUR specific goals.
Do you want to record your vocals while playing the acoustic guitar? Great. Then don’t even look at that shiny 26+ input interface that’s 50% off. You just don’t need it, no matter if it’s on sale or not! A simple setup like the ones I showed you a while ago is likely enough.
Are you doing mixing works 90% of the times? Perfect. You don’t need that fancy mastering multiband compressor plugin. Perhaps something more “mixing oriented” would be better.
In any case, just ask yourself this. Would I have bought that if It was not on sale? Do I really want someone else to decide if I need a product or not? It’s your money, not theirs.
Look For What Is Really Missing
Say both that EQ and analog console emulation plugins you like are on sale, but you’re on a budget and can’t afford both… Start by answering these questions (be honest with yourself!).
Which one of these tools is really missing in my studio? Do I have something similar that I can reach the same results with? Prioritize you choices.
I know there are many different types of EQs around, and getting a new one is cool, but the stock EQ you got with your DAW can work just fine for the time being. Conversely, you can’t add some analog vibe without the console emulation tool, so I guess it’s more important. That’s just an example, but you get the idea.
Invest In Yourself
I’m talking about training and knowledge here. This blog and other online resources can help but you can (and should) go a bit farther than that.
Consider getting a book or enroll an online course. Chances are they’ll be on sale as everything else and this is a thing you shouldn’t miss. It’s the only thing I’d tell you not to think about it twice, because we always need to learn! It’s never enough!
Sometimes you need to separate what you want from what you need. Do you need that new microphone or is it just hype and what you really need is some training to learn how to wield the microphone you already have?
Pick your favorite topic and get some teaching on that. Best money ever spent. Worth way more than a new plugin. Trust me.
Think Smart, Not Fancy
We always want more. I think it’s just human nature. But we are human beings, not sheeps. So make use of your reasoning and logic. Don’t buy something just because it’s advertised as good or people are telling you need it (even if you read about it here on R64).
Instead, pick a piece of paper and write down your studio needs while answering yourself some simple questions in all honesty, then go ahead accordingly and only get what you really need. Work this way and there’ll be something left in your wallet to buy your girlfriend a nice gift for Christmas!
So, all of that said, now it’s time to enjoy the sales! Would be great to hear something about the cool things you bought this week. Share your deals below and have a smarty shopping!
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I didn’t forget about that “free thing” spotted above…So here it is. According to the guys at Waves, this Black Friday everyone is going to get a brand new plugin. For FREE. What will it be? Go discover it here!
